Ajax vs Olympiacos

The Johan Cruyff Arena is the stage for a high-stakes European finale tonight, Wednesday, January 28, 2026, as Ajax hosts Olympiacos. Kick-off is set for 20:00 GMT (15:00 ET / 21:00 local).

This is the definitive "do or die" moment in the Champions League league phase. Olympiacos currently holds the final knockout play-off spot in 24th place (8 points). Ajax, sitting in 32nd place (6 points), must win tonight to have any hope of leapfrogging the Greeks and extending their European season into February.

Match Information

Ajax: The Great Escape?

Interim manager Fred Grim has breathed life into an otherwise disastrous campaign. After losing their first five matches, Ajax has secured back-to-back wins—most notably a gritty 2–1 victory away at Villarreal. However, their home form remains a major concern, as they have yet to collect a single point in Amsterdam this Champions League season.

Team News and Selection:

• Key Absences: Steven Berghuis (injury) and Wout Weghorst are unavailable. Defender Kou Itakura is a major doubt after picking up a knock in training.

• Rising Star: Oscar Gloukh has been the creative heartbeat of the side, scoring three goals in his last two UCL outings.

• The "Tomiyasu" Status: January arrival Takehiro Tomiyasu is still lacking full match fitness and is likely to start on the bench.

• Predicted XI (4-3-3): Jaros; Gaaei, Bouwman, Baas, Wijndal; Regeer, Mokio, Klaassen; Gloukh, Dolberg, Godts.

Olympiacos: Defending the "Line of 24"

The "Legends" arrive in the Netherlands with a slight cushion but no room for complacency. Under José Luis Mendilibar, Olympiacos has shown impressive resilience, recently defeating Bayer Leverkusen 2–0. A draw tonight would likely be enough to secure their spot in the next round, but Mendilibar has insisted his side will not play for a stalemate.

Team News and Selection:

• AFCON Return: Moroccan star Ayoub El Kaabi returned to the starting lineup last weekend following international duty and is expected to lead the line tonight.

• Fit Squad: Aside from long-term cruciate ligament injuries to Bakoulas and Angelakis, the Greek champions have a largely clean bill of health.

• Disciplinary Tightrope: Dani Garcia and Mehdi Taremi are both one yellow card away from a suspension in the next round.

• Predicted XI (4-2-3-1): Tzolakis; Costinha, Retsos, Pirola, Ortega; Mouzakitis, Hezze; Rodinei, Chiquinho, Gelson Martins; El Kaabi.

? The "Battle for 24th" Standings

Tactical Analysis and Prediction

Ajax’s season-long struggle has been their defense, having conceded 19 goals in seven games (2.7 per match). They have failed to keep a clean sheet and have conceded first in every single Champions League game this term. Grim will likely instruct his team to attack from the first whistle, relying on the "Cruyff Arena" atmosphere to unsettle the visitors.

Olympiacos is better balanced and carries a significant counter-attacking threat through Gelson Martins and El Kaabi. Given that Ajax must win, the game will likely open up in the second half, playing directly into the hands of the clinical Greeks.

Final Score Prediction: Ajax 1–2 Olympiacos